Matt Peet previews Wigan Warriors' mouthwatering clash with Leeds Rhinos - 'The game promotes itself'

Matt Peet believes Saturday’s clash between Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos ‘promotes itself’ as the top two sides meet with the League Leaders’ Shield in their sights.

Wigan travel to AMT Headingley sitting second in the Super League table, level on points with first-placed Leeds with just two rounds of the regular season remaining.

The Rhinos currently sit top thanks to their superior points difference, meaning Saturday’s result could prove decisive in the race for the League Leaders’ Shield.

Wigan have won 17 of their last 18 matches in all competitions and have set a club record with 13 consecutive Super League victories.

Peet, though, knows his side face a major test against Brad Arthur’s Rhinos.

“I really feel the game promotes itself now,” said Peet. “Two good teams, I know we’ve got a really tough game on our hands, it’s going to be a sell-out, it’s going to be live on TV… This is what we all want.

“I think whoever wins this is in a really good position (for the League Leaders’ Shield). I think what I would say is if Leeds win, they have won it, haven’t they? We’ll still have another game against Catalans, but I think the points difference means that we’d have another game to win, but I think Leeds would be safely positioned as league leaders (if they win).

“It’ll be a great event, everyone knows it’s a big game, so we’ll just make sure we get our prep right.”

Wigan will have to find a way past a Leeds side which Peet feels has a strong balance across the team.

“I like a lot about them,” he added. “They’re just a really well-balanced team, their defence is excellent, they run hard, they’ve got flair, they’ve got athletic outside-backs and Jake (Connor) is one of the best kickers in the world, so they’ve got all the components of a champion team, there is no doubt about that.

“I like the coach, I like the way he conducts himself and the way he speaks. I think he’s had a great impact on Leeds, he’s brought the best out of every individual who is there at the moment, they’re playing as well as they ever have, so it’s credit to Brad and his assistant coaches as well.”

Wigan’s final two regular-season fixtures will see them host Catalans Dragons after Saturday’s trip to Leeds, while the Rhinos will welcome Hull FC to AMT Headingley in the final round.

With both sides level on points, whoever wins on Saturday would be well-positioned to be crowned this year’s League Leaders’ Shield winners.